In this application a sheet metal two wheeler component was being welded with carbon di-oxide. On switching over to Argoshield – Light there was 27.5% reduction in arcing time with a consequent increase in welding speed. There was a marked reduction in spatter with a flatter and shiny bead profile. This gave 33% savings in wire consumption and 51% savings in power cost which more than offset the increase in gas cost even if the labour cost savings are not considered.

The overall reduction in direct welding cost was as much as 26.8%.

Case Study #2 – Heavy Fabrication

This application involves welding of steel plate from 6 mm to 25-mm thickness. The job was previously being welded with GMAW using CO2.

In view of high spatter, welders tended to restrict the current and loose productivity apart from wastage in wire, due to spatter and convexity of bead. On changing over to Argoshield-Universal, consistent currents of 280-300 amps could be used with minimal spatter, flatter bead, resulting in 21% savings in wire and a 30% savings in arcing time with an overall savings of 16.6% in direct weld cost.

The customer achieved a saving of Rs. 10 lakhs over a period of six months.

Case Study #3 – LPG cylinder welding

The main circumferential joint in LPG cylinders as previously done using submerged arc welding (SAW) involved two runs; a root pass and filler pass. It was prone to defects of slag entrapment and inconsistent fusion.

Following detailed trials with the permission of chief controller of explosives, the welding process was converted to Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) using Argoshield Universal gas. It was found that welding could be done in a single pass with significant improvement in quality and productivity. It resulted in a substantial savings of over 40% and the process has been approved by chief controller of explosives (CCE) Nagpur.

Successful establishment of the application has resulted in a dramatic process changeover from SAW to GMAW by all LPG cylinder manufacturers throughout the country.

For detailed discussions & demonstration, please contact your nearest BOC India office or

The PRODUCT MANAGER – SHIELDING GASES,
BOC India Limited,
Technology centre,
48/1, Diamond Harbour Road,
Kolkata – 700 027.
Tel.: - +91-33-24495737/5993.
Email: - shielding.gases@boci.co.in

BOC India Limited is a member of the BOC Group plc. The stripe symbol, the distinctive shield and the words BOC, ARGOSHIELD, STAINSHIELD, SPECSHIELD and PURESHIELD are the registered trademarks of the BOC Group plc.